Null Protocol || Ramattra x Reader

Chapter Six

She flinched, gaze falling to the cave floor. "Maybe." She couldn't deny she'd been sheltered, only venturing out of her hometown to the monastery on the simple grounds of learning more about omnics, but her goal was only ever to help them. She didn't understand how bad omnic and human relations had been, hadn't been privy to the horrible atrocities committed on both sides, but while naïve, her goal had always remained pure. "But just because I ain't personally lived through the Omnic Crisis don't mean my vote don't count."

"You are as cognizant as a child and just as misguided," Ramattra spat coldly. "I watched for years as my kind was mercilessly wiped out by yours, our numbers dwindling with every passing day. I watched as my fellow brothers believed peace would solve things, that the oppressed must be the ones to show peace and not the oppressors. But I have since grown discontent with the passive approach, it was getting us nowhere. It is time we take omnic salvation by force."

"You're right." (Y/n) felt his stunned silence, and she offered a small smile that was met with annoyance. "I don't understand your side and I reckon I never will. I was born too late to go through the Crisis and I'll never be an omnic nor see the world through their optics. Growing up, I always saw the people around me treat an omnic the same as a human – but I don't doubt you're right." Her gaze went through him as she reminisced. "Every day a new omnic would come into the shop with an injury they explained away as a simple misunderstanding, or that they were clumsy, but some part of me never believed 'em. Pops never questioned them so I didn't either, but if it's as bad as you say, then it must've been humans damaging them." Ramattra studied her closely, like he expected her to write off his suffering and experiences, but her soft voice didn't waver. "I'm sorry y'all have to go through that." When he made no movement nor sound, she returned her attention to his stomach, fiddling with some wires before managing to wind the frayed metal bits around each other, shocking herself in the process. She shook her hands as if shaking the sting off, wiping her hands off on her sweatpants.

"Your apology does not solve the problem that has been plaguing my people for decades." But his tone lacked its usual dismissal, like maybe what she'd said actually touched his cold heart.

"It'd be mighty nice if it did though." This time as she smiled at him, all she got in reply was a quiet huff. "I just wish everyone weren't so quick to judge each other."

"We are all one under the Iris," he muttered, though it almost sounded like he didn't believe it. "Yet they do not see it that way."

Her smile widened at the familiar words. "You and Zeny are definitely brothers."

"'Zeny'?" he hissed, crossing his arms defiantly. "I hardly believe you deserve to call him by such a nickname with your lack of history."

She continued on like she was ignoring his interruption. "Though he's more patient than you are." He picked up on her equally sly tone and grin as she ducked her head in an effort to hide it. "He called me 'sister' so I doubt he'd mind." That earned an indigent scoff.

"Because he is welcoming of all, regardless of whether or not they deserve the title."

"You including yourself in that?"

"Quiet." He bopped her on the head with his staff and she pressed her lips together obediently. But despite suppressing her smile, her eyes crinkled at the corners, which earned a displeased 'tch'. "I do not enjoy your snarky comments, human."

"It's banter." She rose her head, rubbing the spot he hit her with his staff. "I'm just teasing. I ain't mean nothing by it." He hummed disbelievingly, not affording her a glimpse into his thoughts, so she went on. "You're remarkably easy to rile up, you know that?" She felt his piercing gaze on her and smiled apologetically. "Sorry. Like I said, just teasing." Then, after a beat, "We ain't got nothing else to do in the meantime, but if you're allergic to fun-"